STAT+: Improvements in Alzheimer’s testing could make diagnostics more accessible, informative

STAT PlusHealth Improvements in Alzheimer’s testing could make diagnostics more accessible, informative More nuanced results go beyond saying whether someone has the condition or not Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Andrew JosephJuly 15, 2026 Europe Correspondent Andrew Joseph[email protected]Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. This is the web edition of STAT’s AAIC in 30 newsletter. Hello there from the final day of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. This is our last edition of this pop-up newsletter, but if you somehow haven’t tired of me, you can join me as well as my colleagues Damian Garde and Katherine MacPhail tomorrow to recap AAIC and discuss how the research presented here fits into the broader direction of the field. You can register for the virtual event here. It’s at 10 a.m. Eastern, 3 p.m. here in the U.K.Advertisement With next year’s AAIC set for Chicago, and as this nation descends into full World Cup mania in the coming hours, I’ll end by saying thanks for following along with me here in London. How blood tests could reshape the future of identifying dementia Traditionally, an Alzheimer’s diagnosis comes after a brain scan or spinal tap, or perhaps some cognitive tests administered by a behavioral neurologist. The tests can be burdensome, and specialist capacity is limited. But research presented throughout the conference indicated how the field is moving in new directions, finding ways to make testing much more accessible, and offering more nuanced results that go beyond saying whether someone has Alzheimer’s or not.Advertisement In particular, blood-based biomarker tests that can help with diagnoses have started to come onto the market. The Alzheimer’s Association has also started to issue guidelines for how doctors should use them. One study detailed here looked at whether these tests could be used in the primary care setting. Alzheimer’s experts say it’s crucial for more doctors to be able to diagnose the condition, particularly with the availability of new treatments that are more beneficial the earlier they can be used. Wait times for neurologists can extend for months, if not over a year. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Alzheimer’s, biotechnology, drug development Submit a correction requestReprints Andrew Joseph Europe Correspondent Andrew covers the biopharma industry, scientific research, and public health across the continent. You can reach Andrew confidentially on Signal at drewqjoseph.71. Newsletter All the health and medical news you need today, in one email Recommended Breaking News July 15, 2026 Cassidy grills Trump nominee on past vaccine comments in heated exchange Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Bipartisan lawmakers want to require U.S. to probe reliance on foreign-made drugs, ingredients Advertisement Insurance July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Elevance plots a Medicaid retreat as costs remain high AI Prognosis July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: The whistleblower, The Lab, and the fine print Pharmalot July 15, 2026 STAT Plus: Glenmark to pay $29.6 million to settle price-fixing allegations in long-running battle with states Subscriber Picks